Representation in Media and Cultural Studies

Introduction to Representation

• The lecture will focus on the concept of representation, a prevalent theme in cultural and media studies.
• The aim is to delve into the complexities of how representation functions.

Visual Representation in Modern Culture

• The discussion will primarily revolve around visual representation, acknowledging the image's saturation in modern culture.
• Images, both moving and still, transmitted through various media, have become central in contemporary culture.
• Late modern culture is defined not only by advanced industrial societies but also by the global reach of communication systems.

The Role of Cultural and Media Studies

• Cultural studies significantly addresses the importance of representations.
• Media studies inherently examines various texts, specifically visual texts, conveyed through media channels.

Dual Meaning of Representation

• Representation encompasses two meanings:
  • To present, image, depict, or offer a depiction of something already existing.
  • To 'stand in for' something else (e.g., political figures representing constituents).

Representation as Meaning-Making

• Media practices represent topics, people, events, and situations, thereby assigning meaning.
• Representation involves imbuing meaning to depicted subjects through images or words.
• Analyzing representation involves understanding how meaning is attributed to objects or events through media.

Analyzing the Gap Between True Meaning and Media Presentation

• When the meaning conveyed differs from the 'true' meaning, the analysis focuses on this disparity.
• Much work in media studies involves assessing the gap between an event's true meaning and its media representation.